PASSION OR PAY??!!!

Hey guys

We mid way into the week meaning that Friday is just around the corner. I don’t know about you but I've started making my weekend plans which includes me sleeping for the better part of my Saturday, catching up on stuff I missed during the week and cooking for the week ahead.

While most of us are seriously looking forward to the weekend, some 'very deep' people are busy making plans while looking forward to the week ahead. I have this friend Segun who always gets gloomy each time the weekend is approaching and while most people experience the normal Sunday night blues wishing the weekend could be extended; Segun gets busy organizing his briefcase, ironing his clothes with excitement in preparation for his favorite day of the week ‘Monday’. When I asked him what the reason for his Monday morning excitement was, he said ‘My Job’. Woo! That wasn't the reply I was expecting considering the fact that he works in a school, at the IT department, as an IT technical support officer and his pay isn't all that sexy, just okay. But I thought to myself:  How many people can actually say 'My job is the reason I look forward to a new week? Usually, it’s the other way round: People look forward to the weekends just to get off work. 

We are probably familiar with the famous words ‘Follow your passion and you will never have to work a day in your life’. I have been thinking of this ‘passion VS pay’ thing for a while now and it seems like a lot of adults throw away their career passions for more pay. I mean, what percentage of 40 year olds do you know who are working in a career field that still matches their college major (which is meant to be a passion right)? For example, most people who are into politics or other high paying professional jobs/career fields probably studied something different to their present fields. Most elderly people I know, presently work in career fields entirely different from their college majors and they seem to be getting quite a lot of pay compared to those who stuck to their major fields. They even prefer their kids to major in high paying career fields like engineering, law, medicine and the few others rather than follow their passion as they believe that most passions don’t line up well with paying careers. For example, if you are passionate about poultry, singing or salsa dancing, you are going to find limited job opportunities for those things. And other people’s passions are probably their families, friends, home making or cooking, gardening or animal catering and again, there’s not much of a job market built around those things.

Some people believe that ‘Do what you love’ is a privileged advice that ignores the fact that the majority of the world’s population works to get food and housing not for emotional and spiritual fulfillment. They believe that following your passion is a pretty bad advice in a world where bills must be paid, while others believe that  when you are enthusiastic and proud of the work you do, the better equipped you'll be to overcome the many obstacles that will surely arise in the process of starting a business or moving up in a career. Also, the more enthusiasm, the more inclined you are to work harder on improving yourself which will allow you to continuously get better at what you do and the better you get at your work, the better you get paid for it.  

I was reading some articles on career choices based on passion and I stumbled on a story about a 27 year old lady who gave up her well paying job and chose to follow her passion for kids, eventually finding a style'n success.

"My love for children started when I was still a child. In fact, it was a result of many conflicts with my parents. I grew up with a passion to take care of children, right from my siblings to our neighbours’ children and at school too. I remember getting in trouble with my parents and teachers for taking off time to ensure my fellow children were fine.
I did not want to see any child suffering with domestic chores, hunger and anything like that so I often dropped everything I was doing to help. I cannot forget the beatings I endured so many times for dodging my own chores to carry and sooth neighbours’ children. There was no way you got me to settle down to anything else when there was a child crying somewhere,” she recounts.

Getting into child care as an adult
During my university days, I offered to do voluntary work with The Aids Support Organisation-Taso (Taso), Mbarara, taking care of and counselling children living with HIV.

After I graduated in 2011 from Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, with a Bachelors of Counselling and Guidance, I did not struggle to find a job. I had applied to work with Uganda Cares, a non-government organisation in Masaka, before graduation. When I graduated, I had already been offered a job there as the counsellor coordinator.

I was earning Shs700,000 per month, which as a fresh graduate, was a fair pay, considering majority of my former classmates were still on the streets looking for jobs. But even then, I felt dissatisfied because I did not get the opportunity to practice my childhood passion and desire of working with children. I felt misplaced.

I held onto my job for two years and said to myself that I had to look elsewhere, somewhere I would be comfortable, which I realised meant somewhere I could work closely with children.

Of course, everyone thought I was making a mistake and most of them told me so. This was especially so because I was quitting before finding another job. I stayed home for three months trying to figure out what I should do next.

One of my brothers who also said he was puzzled about my decision to quit my first job offered me Shs500,000 per month to work at his pharmacy in Mbarara Town. I accepted but after six months, I called it quits.

Starting up Honey Bears
In February 2014, I decided to start a daycare and nursery centre to realise my dreams. Having saved about Shs5m, I pitched the idea to my husband who gave me Shs6m more.

I used Shs4m to rent a house in Kakyeeka, in Mbarara town, and the rest to buy other necessities like children’s playing equipment and materials, beddings, and feeding utensils, among others. I also hired two women to help with the work.

The start was so stressful. I had thought I would easily get children admitted but I spent about three months with only one child. I was so disturbed I started to second guess my decision to leave employment. I persevered though and prayed hard, planning that if it did not work out, I would just stay home and raise my children, those of my relatives and the neediest I could afford to take care of.

But first, I decided to move house to house, friend to friend telling them about the daycare. That is how I eventually managed to get the 12 children I now have at the centre.

Living the dream
I run the centre myself. I’m there Monday to Friday, from morning to evening when the parents pick up their children. The two women who help me are professional nursery school teachers.
I charge a considerable fee because although I do this for passion, I need money to keep it running. I, however, do not make enough to save yet.

Challenges

Taking care of children is quite challenging. Their future lies in your hands. They need to feed well and be given tender care. All these require commitment in terms of both time and resources. But this is a devotion I have committed to live by throughout my life. Besides, the trust a parent places in you when they give you their child is humbling.

Future prospects
I plan to buy my own land, build and expand the center. I want to have a facility with better facilities that can accommodate as many as 100 children where I can give them the best love and care.

Having read this, I think that true success is much more than having a lot of wealth and fame. Enjoying the work you do is, in some ways, more important than having a large bank account. Plus, if you enjoy the work you do, there's a greater chance you will do a great work and get paid accordingly. If you're thinking about starting your own business, or just struggling with this in your own personal career, you may need to think about what you're passionate about. It may not be easy, but chances are, it will be worth the effort.
Or what do you think?

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN NIGERIA!!!

Hey Guys,

It feels like I haven’t blogged in ages and I guess its cuz this past week has been really busy for me especially with sorting out final NYSC clearance and turning up the last two days (as per passing out celebrations) here and there lol. Anyways it’s all over now and sadly, girls have to get back to reality.

With regards to my previous post (What I miss about living in the UK), I was asked by some friends and fellow blog readers about what I miss or rather, what I love about living in Nigeria since I listed a few things I miss about living in the UK and it would only be fair to also list the things I love about living in Nigeria. So, I decided to share quite a number of things I love about living in my mother land.

The number one thing I love about living in Nigeria is:

THE FOOD:

I am glad I mentioned that I’m a #Dorofoodie (a lover of food) in my profile so it shouldn't be surprising that food is the first thing on my list even though it shouldn't be cuz man shall not live by bread alone but by the combination of unique spices, herbs, vegetables, meat and orishirishi to produce a delectable dish called Nigerian food. lol just kidding. Jokes apart tho, Nigerian food is amazing ranging from classics like Jollof rice, Fried rice, Ofada, (don’t forget the dodo and chicken), to regional specialties like Kilishi, Suya, Gala, Agege rocky bread, Ijebu garri and Groundnut, Asun, to traditionals such as Nkwobi, Semo and Eforiro, Pownded Yam and Egusi, Amala and Ewedu, Starch and Banga, Acara and Pap, Moin Moin, Abacha, Smoked fish, Boli(smoked plantain), the combinations are endless. Nothing beats a Naija home cooked meal for deliciousness. Unlike the British food where there is almost no spice, there’s always that tasty balance with the right amount of pepper, seasoning, thyme, onions and other tasty spices in Nigerian foods which is why when you eat them, you don’t forget them for a while.

THE WEATHER

The weather is another thing I love about living in Nigeria. I know the Nigerian sun can be so scorching that sometimes one can feel roasted especially if you have to walk or work under the sun for hours. Never the less, I think Nigeria is blessed with a good and friendly weather. The weather is really beautiful and you can wear anything you like under the sun. There is no need to worry about snow or hurricanes or tornadoes and earthquakes. Also, a lot of exotic plants and fruits such as mangoes coco yams and palm trees can survive under the Nigerian weather.

THE CELEBRATIONS:

You cannot but love Nigerian celebrations. Nigerians know just how to have the best and grooviest celebrations you can think of. Talk about weddings, house parties or even Owambe parties. Nigerian parties are famous for some reasons: the fashionable clothes, foods, music, friends and families. Owambe party is a norm in Naij and whether you like it or not, you will always find yourself in one celebrating with families and friends, dancing, eating and drinking.

THE TV SHOWS

Nigerian TV shows and reality shows are actually incomparable with American or British TV shows because they have this unique thing that just makes them different and relate-able. Some of the TV soaps have good stories and once you start watching them, you would most likely get hooked as they tell a lot about life style and how to tackle most problems we encounter in our daily lives.

THE STREET SHOPS/STREET SELLERS

I definitely love this aspect of living in Nigeria cuz it makes life a lot easier. It is only in Nigeria you can most likely get anything you need at any point in time. The street shops and street sellers provide you with almost everything you may need early in the morning or late in the night when the markets are closed. On the streets, you can find Aboki or Malam with a small kiosk selling a variety of house hold items or a small pharmacy store right at the corner of the street. In fact, sometimes, you just need to sit in your house and wait for the snip-clink sound of the tailors scissors or the beating pattern of the shoe makers work box to amend your clothes and fix your shoes. Whereas, you don’t find that in the UK. If your shoe goes bad, you either get new ones or go on a journey round town in search of someone to fix it. This brings me to the next thing on the list.

THE COST OF LIVING

Life in Nigeria may not be so rosy when compared to the UK or to the life outside the shores of Africa, but when you calculate how much you spend in the UK generally, and what half of that money can fetch you in Nigeria, then I guess you would want to jump on the next flight back to live in Nigeria again. The cost of living in the UK is ridiculously expensive especially for non home based. You pay tax almost on everything you spend your money on not to talk of the bills, the accommodation and everything else.

THE FREE CAR PARKS

Unlike the UK where you have to pay for a parking space, you don’t need to worry about traffic tickets in Nigeria. There is no police ticket for you when you default in your parking space. It is either you are called out to re park your car or you are warned.

THE MARKET HAGGLING

You may never really know what you have until you've lived abroad for a while and discovered how difficult it is to bargain on most items. In fact, you can’t even bargain cuz most items come with price tags. It actually annoys me when I walk into a store in the UK and pick up an item only to realize that the price tag says £69.99. Like seriously?? Why the heck would it not just be £70 or better still, be left as £69. Why must there be that extra 99p? What if I had no coins or I only had £69? That would mean me not being able to purchase that item just because I’m short of 99p? I feel bad most times because I know if it were in Naij, I would have gotten that same item for probably £59 if not less, just by bargaining. In Nigeria, you have the freedom of down pricing every product with the sellers which is what you may never experience abroad.

THE VERNACULAR PIDGIN ENGLISH

I love the fact that in Nigeria, anyone and everyone can communicate on mutual grounds using the Pidgin English regardless of social status, tribal or educational status. For example if you are new to a city, for instance, Abuja, and you are lost at a certain strange place, you can just stop any random person, if you are lucky enough, one who understands English. If not, you can just say Oga/Madam, abeg, where I fit find Yoruba mosque for maitama districtand you would be directed in the same manner. Pidgin English makes communication very easy amongst Nigerians. Living abroad sometimes makes you miss some favorite slangs like how far? Wetin dey happen? And many more.

THE UNDYING SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE

I love the fact that even in the midst of hell itself, Nigerians don’t easily lose their cool or give up their humor, joviality, friendliness and happiness. Life goes on for them no matter the situation and you wonder why you almost never hear of suicide in Nigeria even though life is hell: Police harassment, petrol increment, nepa wahala, unemployment and Nigerians never go on rampage. Also, because everything in the UK or abroad is so developed, life can be somewhat monotonous, devoid of drama and spontaneity. Most times the only excitement you get in the UK is probably during the weekends when you go partying drinking or doing whatever you find pleasurable. Whereas, in Nigeria you can get excitement every day from street jamz to daily agbero scenes to visits by friends, families, relatives and Many more. Life in Nigeria can never really be depressing and lonely there's always something to give you jokes and make you laugh. Home will always be home and in the end, there's actually no place like home.

MY FAVORITE CHARITY/EVENT!!!!

Hey guys! 

I hope you all are having a good week? Last month was pretty busy and I was hoping that October would be a lot calmer, but of course, it’s an even busier month for me, loads of things to do.  I am not complaining but I guess I'm not used to having such a full calendar. I feel like I am constantly on the go.

Today, I thought I would share a little inspiration gotten from a charity event I attended called SCAF (Sickle Cell Aid Foundation).

A few weeks ago, my friends and I attended a charity event which held its annual fundraising dinner with the theme ‘’Break the Sickle Circle’’. The event was held at the Chelsea Hotel, Central Area Abuja. It was a black tie /dressy event with red carpet hosted by Wazobia Fm Big Mo and and Lydia Guna. A number of artists, including Korede Bello and Dija from Mavin records, Jon Ogah and white Nigerian performed. It was MC’d by the famous hilarious comedian ‘Its your girl again, Chigurl’ (you don’t wanna be a west (waste)). There was a Charity Auction and loads of planned activities to raise funds for sickle cell disease.

At the event, a speech was made by Nkechi Azinge, the founder of Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF), a lawyer by profession with an interest in corporate governance and financial regulation. Nkechi shared a bit of her story and that of her sisters while growing up. She grew up surrounded by close friends and family members plagued with SCD (Sickle Cell Disorder) and as a result of experiencing their daily struggles and battles, she was propelled to start the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation circle located in Abuja, aimed at creating awareness and preventing the increase of sickle cell cases.

I was particularly touched and inspired by this young lady because I could really relate with her story and that of her sister's. I have grown up with and around some friends diagnosed with this disorder and I have lived part of my life watching friends go through series of crises. I have never been so sad seeing them go through so much pain. Growing up, my family and I lived next to a beautiful family blessed with two beautiful boys, each diagnosed with this disorder. The oldest as at then, who happened to be my senior by 5 years, constantly experienced severe crisis in his chest, back and his legs. There were times we would go spend time at the hospital with him, watching him go through routine medications, times I heard him lamenting and his parents would always say ‘you can do whatever you want to do and be whoever you want to be’. The younger brother also experienced a lesser part of the crisis. He often had his hands swell with mild pains. I dint quite understand the reason behind their illness then as I was young and had no knowledge of the sickle cell disorder. But at that age, I was really worried about my friends and I always begged them saying ‘please don’t die, we would have no friends to play police and thief with’. Each time they recovered and began playing,  I always tried touching and playing with them gently as I kept panicking that they may trip off and fall and it may trigger another crisis.

Getting to the university, I also had a few friends with this disorder, one of which I lived with. There were nights I sobbed watching my friend in so much pain, there were times I was scared out of my mind for the level of pain she felt and the things she said while being in so much pain. There were also days I had to make emergency calls at about 4.30am, days I had to spend time sitting by the edge of the hospital bed watching series of blood transfusions and other routine medications.

I may not know the pain people with this disorder go through but I feel the pain from theirs. I have experienced a few crisis and it is one that can literally put you to tears especially if those involved are your friends or loved ones. 

The SCAF wasn’t just a dinner dressy event to me. It was a source of inspiration to me. It was an avenue, an opportunity to witness the faces and hear the stories of inspiring people who share their personal pains and challenges arising from this disorder, and in the midst of their sufferings and emotional pain, they still find hope and inspiration. It basically taught me that having the disorder might be an unfortunate situation, but it certainly does not define who you are. I remember talking with my childhood friend (the older son), and he was telling me how life right now seems great, how he’s healthy, working and loving his job, just bought a house and is looking to get married soon. See!, his parents were right after all.

You can do anything and be anything you want as long as you keep a strong and happy attitude, live right, pray often and stay healthy. You aren’t different form everyone else, Yes! You may have sickle cell, but sickle cell doesn’t have you. Let this be an inspiration to everyone going through this sickle cell circle that you can do anything and you have the power over sickle cell.  I encourage everyone to find out all they can about the disorder. The more knowledge you have about the disorder, the easier it becomes in handling it and together, we can all break the sickle cell circle.

Do you have any favourite charity or event? Please feel free to share.  

10 BOOKS EVERY LADY SHOULD READ IN HER 20'S!!

Happy weekend folks!

I hope you all are having a nice time and enjoying the weekend? Mine seems to be getting busier progressively. I guess its that time of our lives when responsibilities begin to increase, time begins to get more precious, decision making begins to increase and life basically gets busier for all of us. 

My main focus today is on the ladies especially those of us in our 20’s. Not too worry gentlemen,  I would get back to you lot shortly. In the meantime, I know you all have some women in your lives: girlfriends, sisters, nieces, cousins and other relatives so feel free to buy some of the books I would be listing/recommending on this post for them. By the way, you guys can also read some of them that could serve as an inspiration for your day to day activities and life as well.

With how busy life has become, we probably don’t always have much time for ourselves anymore. Over the past few months, I have been reading some books (some of which I get my inspirations from), and have been looking out for more books that would help build and shape me into the woman I hope to be and I assume most ladies would probably be going through some things or life issues  and would be seeking for some sources of inspiration which is why I decided to list a few books (Even though there are a lot of them), some of which I have read and some that I am yet to read. Let this list serve as a reminder for all women, to take time to find inspirations and reflect on their lives.

Mind you, the list is in no particular order:

64 LESSONS FOR A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS by Td.Jakes:

This book contains life’s most important lessons. It blends scriptures and personal insights together. The lessons you can get from this book are both spiritual and practical, each focusing  on simple but trans- formative concepts. It is divided into 8 sections with 8 lessons in each. It is really inspiring and it is a tool that would help reposition you and help you make the right decisions. You all should try and get a copy. Trust me when I say it’s worth it.

LIVING BEYOND YOUR FEELINGS by Joyce Mayer:

This is one of my favorite female gospel preachers and her stories have touched me in ways that you can't imagine. I just started reading this book of hers and I know most of us tend to have certain difficulties in making decisions especially when it concerns matters of the heart. The 20’s are the crucial moments/times of our lives, times when we tend to start living lives and making decisions for ourselves. This book helps you make the right decisions based on God’s words instead of your feelings. I personally love this book because there are certain times I tend to develop a fear for the future and times that I pray and ask to hear from God but then, I am not sure if it’s the right voice or just my mere feelings. This book helps you make decisions based on wisdom not feelings; it helps you shed the guilt from your past and fear of the future, it also helps you deal with anger, depression and loss. Every one actually needs this book to help cultivate good emotions and keep one in balance with life.

DUSTY CROWNS by Heather Lindsey:

I was introduced to this book by my friend Christabel when we were having a general talk about life. There are times in life when we feel completely inadequate and regardless of what we do, we never feel good enough. Well if this relates to you or if you can relate to this in anyway, then this book is the perfect book you need. Heather Lindsey felt the same way for years and on several occasions, she would try to earn God’s love. And instead of chasing after unhealthy relationships, money fame and vanity, she decided to seek a relationship with God and he dusted all her guilt’s from her past and made her new. I love and find this book really inspiring because it is a constant reminder that, regardless of how far we’ve gone away from God, he is still right there with us waiting to dust off the dirt and make us new. I strongly recommend this book to everyone.

THE LADY HER LOVER AND HER LORD by Td.Jakes:

I know most ladies must have read this book including myself. Yes! I know I am a great fan of Td Jakes and would probably be reading and listing a lot more of his books, but this particular book is a “must read” for all ladies, single or married. It speaks to the hearts of women in a practical, often humorous terms about three relationships that must be balanced #1 the one with God,  #2 the one with yourself and #3 the one with your soul mate/lover in other to achieve a semblance of fulfillment. It maintains an intimate bond with readers till the end. My experience with this book was amazing. It inspired, uplifted and comforted me. I strongly recommend this to all ladies.

LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN by Mac Anderson:

A lot of us enjoy whining and complaining about the different things that go wrong in our lives: Bad days, low cash, family issues, poor grades and many other challenges. This book is a cure for us. It was inspired by a great quote from Vivian Green “life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain”. There is no one person in the world without a problem. We all face different adversities but how we react to them determines the joy and happiness in our lives. This book teaches gratitude. It teaches us how 'not' to focus on what’s missing from our lives but how to recognize and appreciate that which is present. This book is one of my major inspirations, you cannot read this book and not feel extremely blessed. Please I urge you to get a copy for yourself and your loved ones.

GREAT QUOTES BY GREAT WOMEN by Peggy Anderson:

This book basically inspires you through timeless words of wisdom shared by great women from all over the word. It could give you the fuel/energy you need to run your day to day activities. It won’t hurt to get one too.

BEFORE YOU DO by Td. Jakes

 With the way people are rushing into marriages, one needs to be really sure about the decision to lock up into marriage. This book basically focuses on relationship decisions and how they all come down to 5 components called the 5R’s. Research, Roadwork, Rewards, Revelation, and Review.  it gives you an insight on how to reflect, discern and decide the next step to take in other to have a strong enduring relationship, marriage and family, using a spiritual and practical approach. 

GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES by Jennifer Close:

This wickedly, hilarious and extremely recognizable book, tells a story about three women battling with heartbreak, career change, family pressure and new love while suffering through an endless round of weddings and bridal showers. Any lady who has been or is presently in her 20's can relate to this book. Girls in White Dresses is reminiscent of Melissa Bank’s The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing, but at the same time it’s totally original and perfectly reflects the events of recent years I strongy recommend this book to all ladies in their 20's.

QUICK SHOTS TO FALSE HOPES by Laura Kighthinger:

This is basically a story about a dead actress who wrote a sardonic depressive honest memoir about living her life on the very edge of fame and fortune and never quite making it. Sad story, but yeah, its worth the read.

The last but not the least,

 GOD'S LEADING LADY by Td, Jakes.

I saved this for the last cuz this is the one I am presently reading. This book basically offers women a strategy for taking charge of their lives and starring in the unique part God has chosen them to play in the world. Providing the inspiration and the tools women need to face life's challenges. It also teaches ladies how to triumph in the face of adversity, recognize the Lord's calling and  creates a successful legacy that will inspire and influence generations to come.

Missing any important ones? Please feel me in.

WHAT I MISS ABOUT LIVING IN THE UK!! :(

Hey Guys!

Thank God it’s Friday. I don’t know if it’s just me but it feels like the weekend was just yesterday and it’s here again. Well, thanks to the federal government for declaring Monday and Tuesday public holidays (as per sallah things). I hope you all took part in the ‘Sallah meat downing festival’ cuz trust me, you dulled if you didn’t. I love the fact that I live in an estate and I am surrounded by neighbors of mixed tribes and different religions who take their time to study their fellow neighbors and know just how to spoil them a little.wink*. A knock on the door last weekend ushered in the first set of pounded yam and soup with greatly garnished Eran lleya (sallah meat) and drinks. You can imagine what 3 knocks must have led to. Anyways, onto the matter of the day. 

 I have been asked a couple of times since I moved back to Nigeria about how it’s like or rather, how it’s been like since I moved back, if things have changed, remained the same or gotten worse and many more. I cannot say I have all the answers to all the questions, but one thing I know for sure is that I really do miss living in the Uk and I would like to share a few things I miss about living in the UK. Oh! and by the way, I lived in the Uk for 4 years. Not much, but yeah!

The number one thing I really miss is:

EASY AND CHEAP ACCESS TO THE INTERNET.

 I miss my Irokotv sooooo much I know why I am stressing it:-(. Back in the Uk, IrokoTV was the life. I watched unlimited you tube videos, browsed the net 24/7, skyped like no man’s business and basically lived on the internet. But now, I struggle to buy data, watch videos, download movies and the most painful bit, I struggle to skype my friends.:(.

THE ORGANISATION AND ORDERLINESS.

NYSC especially, has really made me miss this aspect of the Uk. The long disorganized queues, the stressful registration and clearing processes, in fact, checkout my NYSC experience. Almost everything in the UK is organized, starting from the building structures to the transport systems, to the schools, to the banks, to the queues, to the malls, firms, organizations you name it!. People are always on time to events and appointments. Nothing like Naija or African timing. See this post. If you miss your appointment, my dear, just go back to bed cuz there is nothing like “oga please’’ or ‘sir, I can explian’ you would just get this response “Am afraid darling, but that's none of my business” .

THE RESPECT OF PRIVACY AND MINDING OF BUSINESSES.

I miss the fact that people respect themselves and mind their businesses in the UK. You can actually see a couple in the UK walking and holding hands, probably waits, or even being so intimate on the streets in broad day light and people just keep passing by like they were invincible. My dear, please try that on the streets of naij in broad day light and see the amount of mopes you get from mopers. You can actually walk freely down the road without someone trying to make a 360 degrees head turn to you or someone trying to stop you or talk to you. No offence sha, but Nigerians need to win an award in moping.

FREEDOM OF HAVING NO CURFEWS.

I miss the fact that you can go out at any time of the day and come in without having to sneak in or cook up some funny stories as to why you were 5 minutes behind your normal curfew. Since I got back to Naij, I've been answering questions like where have you been, why was your phone switched off, what car just dropped you off, why did it take you 10 minutes to arrive when the cinema is just 5 minutes away and many more. Well, I don’t blame them. And with the way Nigeria is or rather, has become, with the booko harams and bombings here and there, no one needs to tell you to develop a love for indoor activities.

WINDOW SHOPPING

I miss the fact that I could walk into a store, try on a dress even though I have no plans of buying it and take pictures in them secretly. I also miss playing with make up in places like mac and boots and also spraying perfumes in the mall before going school.

CONSTANT POWER SUPPLY

Naij has deprived me the joy of having to sleep in a quiet environment without the noise from about 5 peoples generators at the same time. The pollution too hasn’t been healthy at all. The stress and money to buy fuel/diesel is a major struggle. Even the gen knows that we have to manage fuel sometimes. I miss the fact that there is nothing like “No power” or water in the UK. You have a steady supply of light and water 24/7.

FISH AND CHIPS

Chips is one thing I could have for breakfast, lunch and dinner without getting bored of it. I am particularly a lover of fried foods especially fried yam with some mad ass sauce..Yummy!!.. I developed this love for fish and chips during my stay in the UK and since I moved back, I have missed it more often than not. I also miss Maysum, Peachekins and Redhot in Nottingham. I miss those 7 pounds chinese buffets in notts.  I feel sad each time I remember those days when Paul, Ify and I (my study buddies) would leave school during exam period just to go to red hot for some nice treat. But then, I know I cant have that here all the time so I try to console myself with Garri and soup lol.

Above all,

I MISS MY FRIENDS

Some times I just sit and think of the old times, the fun times, the struggles through Uni, the challenges, the good times, the bad times, the ugly times, the drama and everything and I remember my friends, the church, the people who always gave me hope when all was lost, people who  always motivated me when my ginger was cold, people who always gave their shoulders for my tears, people who would always boost my spiritual life when its low,  people who would always be friends despite the distance, time and age.

I hope you enjoy your weekend guys!! feel free to leave a comment! :).